Libs vow to get tough on frontline assaults

THE Canberra Liberals have today made an election promise to toughen penalties for offences against frontline staff such as police, ambulance officers, nurses, prison guards, emergency service workers and care and protection staff.

Opposition Leader Zed Seselja says the government should do everything it can to protect people who are forced in harm’s way because of their jobs.

“A good local government should do everything it can to deter violent assaults and other offences against vital frontline staff in the course of their duties,” he says.

“Last year, we introduced legislation which would make assaults against police officers an aggravated offence. But this was voted down by ACT Labor and the Greens.

“Unlike the other parties, the Canberra Liberals are committed to protecting frontline staff, and if elected, will make assaults against police and other workers whose job puts them in harm’s way an aggravated offence.”

“Police, ambulance officers, nurses, prison guards, emergency service workers and care and protection staff risk their lives to protect the community every day, and deserve every protection the government can offer in return,” he says.